ISP needs troopers

COEUR d'ALENE - Troopers wanted. Applications are now being accepted by the Idaho State Police to fill 15 trooper positions statewide in 2012.

Wonder if you have what it takes?

Hundreds of trooper hopefuls are expected to see if they do.

"A lot of people apply," said Joe Tueller, in charge of hiring for the ISP's human resources department. "It typically ends up being quite competitive."

The hiring process takes about seven months and includes at least two trips to ISP headquarters in Meridian to complete several steps.

Applicants are not required to have previous law enforcement training or experience. There is no age requirement, and height doesn't matter, but applicants will undergo psychological, medical, physical fitness, polygraph and substance screenings.

Throughout the process, Tueller said, the finalists will be whittled down from hundreds of applicants.

There are now 143 patrol troopers in Idaho, Tueller said. That does not include ISP officers who are specialists, administrators or detectives.

ISP has 23 sworn officer positions currently vacant throughout the state. Some of the positions are being held open as a budget savings measure until funds become available.

"This doesn't bring us to full strength by any means, but it keeps us above water," Tueller said.

The hiring process begins with an online application and two online exams, including a "checklist exam" to see if an applicant meets the minimum requirements to be employed as an Idaho State Trooper. Troopers must be United States citizens, have a high school degree or GED, a valid driver's license, at least two years of "responsible work experience" or attendance at a college or university, and fingerprint clearance.

To be hired, an applicant must also meet ISP's drug policy requirements which disqualify anyone who has used, possessed, manufactured or delivered most illegal drugs. A guilty charge of driving under the influence of intoxicants within the 5-year period preceding application for ISP employment is also a disqualifier.

Other immediate disqulifiers include any felony conviction, misdemeanor convictions within five years prior to application and certain military discharges.

Other issues that may disqualify an applicant include a pattern of poor decision making such as a bankruptcy followed by further credit problems; any history of domestic violence or any other type of abuse, even if no allegations or charges have been made; dishonesty, such as lying or stealing from an employer, a pattern of poor employee/employer work relations; a record of job-hopping, abuse of sick leave, or failure to follow employer work rules; repeated traffic offenses or DUI convictions; and any history of sexual harassment or inappropriate prejudicial treatment of others.

After the online application and exams are reviewed, those with the highest scores will be invited to proceed to the next stage of the hiring process, which includes an oral exam.

Applicants must be willing to work anywhere in the state of Idaho as assignments are made based on department needs. The agency will attempt to accommodate a new hire's choice of location if possible.

Troopers will be required to work all shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays. Starting pay is $17.67 per hour, possibly higher for candidates with previous law enforcement experience.

The job posting closes Jan. 26.

Info: www.isp.idaho.gov